A recent report by conservation group Oceana reveals that oil pollution from the fossil fuel industry in UK waters has been “significantly underestimated,” posing a serious threat to marine wildlife.
The study emphasizes that chronic oiling—defined as frequent, small-scale releases—occurs at a much higher rate than previously estimated, primarily due to a lack of transparency in reporting systems for oil discharges and spills in the North Sea.
Oil companies are required to report accidental spills and intentional discharges of produced water, a byproduct that can contain toxic chemicals.
However, breaches of permitted discharge levels are documented separately, leading to underreported totals.
Increased inspections and stricter enforcement are needed to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems from oil spills.Oceana’s analysis suggests that combining accidental spills and breaches reveals a staggering 43% increase in the total volume of oil pollution recorded over the last decade.
Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana, criticized the regulatory framework, stating, “The system has been set up in such an opaque way that it makes it difficult to understand the full volume of oil being discharged.”
He pointed out that inspections of oil and gas installations are alarmingly low, with only 15% inspected in 2023—down from 25% in 2022. With minimal enforcement action, the industry faces little deterrent against pollution.
Oceana’s report indicates that five companies were responsible for 80% of oil spills from 2011 to 2024, with Total E&P being the worst offender.
The report also highlighted 248 permit breaches within UK marine sanctuaries, further endangering marine ecosystems.
Dr. Rosie Williams from the Zoological Society of London emphasized that ongoing releases of oil and toxins threaten marine life. As awareness of these issues grows, Oceana is advocating for increased inspections and stricter enforcement measures to protect the marine environment.